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J1 Visa Programme

Apply Now for Internship USA

Registration and Documentation

Get started on your application

Try to get your application in as early as possible!

Once you have successfully submitted your application for a J1 Visa Programme the process of gaining the legal sponsorship begins.
There are various stages to this - each is extremely important. Please note that at all times we must adhere to US government regulations governing the programme.

Please make sure you read all the information on this page to avoid delays and confusion during the application process.

  • Instructions
  • Register for an Account
  • Required Supporting Documents
  • Inviting your US Supervisor
  • The Process

If you have any questions about the process please email our team at info@istplus.com

Please make sure you watch the instructions video!

This will guide you through the process. You should refer back to this page when completing your online application.

Download Instructions





Supporting Documents you will need to upload to your online Beacon Account

As well as completing the online application, you will also need to upload some supporting documents - including Proof of Univeristy Status, Passport ID page.

Those with a Download link should be downloaded from this page before you start your appication

Download your checklist

Once you have completed these you will need to upload them to the relevant parts of your online account
*You will need to upload the Fees Disclosure to the DOCUMENTS section at the bottom of our account page


  • Copy of Passport ID page Required for all applications
  • Proof of Student Status Required for all applications

*This can be completed, signed and stamped by any member of staff at your university

  • Fees Disclosure Page Required for all Applications
  • Non UK/ Irish Passport Holders - Proof of English language Ability* Required for some applications
  • Financial Guarantor Letter- Required for some applications

This additional document is required for all unpaid internships and any internships with a salary of less than $1500/ month. Please check your online training plan to see if this applies to you.

  • We will not be able to accept your application or start the process for you without these documents
Adding your Profile Picture to your online Account

You will need to upload a profile picture to the top of your online account.
This must be of yourself and not include any other people.


To do this, please click on the grey profile picture box at the top of your BEACON application - you will then be able to upload a suitable picture.

Please make sure this image is less than 1mb in size

  • You will not be able to sign your application without a profile picture!
See How
Going to 2 Host Companies?

If you are planning on undertaking an internship at more than one Host Company during your time in the US there is a slightly different process for your application.

▪ Your 1st Host Company will need to complete the online DS-7002 - you will need to invite them to do this via your online account.
▪ Your Second Host Company will need to complete and sign off on a PDF version of the DS-7002 - you can download this below
▪ Once they have completed and signed this they must send to you so you can complete all relevant sections.
▪ You must then also sign this form!
▪ You'll need to upload this to the "Documents" section of your online application

Please note: For split internships please leave the Program End date on your online Training Plan BLANK. You will need to tell us this date when you have uploaded the PDF Training Plan for your second host by emailing apply@istplus.com

It is VITAL you email our team at apply@istplus.com to let us know when you have uploaded your 2nd Training Plan. Until you do we will not be able to review your application.

PDF DS7002
Learn More
Inviting your US Supervisor to complete your online training plan

Once you have logged into your online account you will see a blue button marked Training Plan.

This will take you to your online training plan.
Scroll Down to the Section marked MAIN SUPERVISOR/ POC and click the blue INVITE button.

Enter your Supervisor details and hit the SEND INVITATION button


You can then return to your part of the application!


  • You must invite your supervisor in order for them to complete your training plan!
See How
Label Text
The Process

Once both the online DS-7002 AND your part of the application has been completed we will be able to start the process for you.
As part of this our colleagues in the USA will liaise with your US Host Organisation to verify the details and get legal approval.

*YOU SHOULD ALLOW AT LEAST 6 WEEKS FOR THIS PROCESS*

Once your application has been approved, your legal documents will be sent to us and we in turn will send them on to you via 1st class post.
At that point you will be able to book and attend your face to face interview at the US Embassy or consulate

*Shipment to international addresses may take longer and will be subject to additional fees. See How Much Does it Cost for information

  • Step 1 - Register for an account Important
    You register your details above. This will allow our team to create an account for you in BEACON. You will then receive login details and be able to create a password. You will then be able to login and invite your supervisor/ start your application
  • Step 2 - Invite your host Company Supervisor and start your application Important
    See above for instructions on this
  • Step 3. Complete your application Important
    Once your application AND your online training plan have been completed and signed, you must email apply@istplus.com to confirm your application is complete and ready to move forward.
    We will not be able to review or start the process for you until both parts have been signed and completed and you contact us to confirm you are ready to move forward with the process.

    Don't forget your Supporting Documents!

  • Step 4 - IST Plus Review
    Our team will review your application. If complete we will submit this to our partners at CIEE. If there is anything missing we will contact you via email. Once complete, your application status will show as SUBMITTED TO CIEE. At this point we will request payment of your fees
  • Step 5 - CIEE Review
    Your Application will show as UNDER REVIEW. CIEE will work with your US Host Company to approve your application. You must check your email regularly during this process as this will be the way we contact you should require further information. In some cases your US Host Company may be asked to revise the online training plan.
  • Step 6 - Approval
    Once approval has been granted (this may take up to 4 weeks), your status on your application will change to ACCEPTED. Within 24-48 hours of this you will be able to see your SEVIS ID at the top of your online account page. THIS IS SHOWN AS YOUR DS-2019 NUMBER. Within 3-5 working days of this, your legal paperwork will be sent to our offices in the United Kingdom and we will send these out to you. Using your SEVIS ID (DS-2019#) you can complete the DS-160 form - see our US Embassy Interviews button below
  • Step 7 - the Visa Interview
    Once you have recieved your legal paperwork from us (this normally takes place 5 -7 days after approval has been given in the USA) you will be able to go online and start the process of booking your visa interview
  • When your passport and visa are returned to you by the US Embassy, you are free to book your flights and travel to the US on or after the date listed as Program Start Date on your Documents and online Training Plan Important
About Us

IST Plus was formed in 2003. Since then we have worked with thousands of students and young people from all over the world to help and guide them on their international journeys.
We work with partners across the globe to provide the best service possible.

More Info

IST Plus
Shakespeare Business Centre
245a Coldharbour Lane
London
SW9 8RR

Tel: +44 (0)207 788 7877
email: info@istplus.com

Useful Links
  • Insurance Cover for participants
  • Resources for US Employers
  • US Department of State J1 Visa Page
  • Your Privacy and how we use your information
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